View down from Hai Van Pass (Đèo Hải Vân),  Vietnam,  September 2017

Hai Van Pass, meaning ocean cloud pass, carves its way through the Ammanite Range above the East Vietnam Sea.  The mountains form a geographic and political division between north and south Vietnam, with the 20km long pass connecting the towns of Hoi An and Da Nang with Hue.

For those preferring a faster and less vertiginous route there is also now a tunnel through the Ammanites, but the pass itself treats its followers with some irresistible views.

Incidentally, it now owes part of its fame to the Top Gear team scurrying along this route in their journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Halong Bay. Even if you aren’t fans of cars and motorbikes, I highly recommend watching the show.

Needless to say, I also strongly recommend making the crossing in person, just be sure to pause a few times for the views, and you’ll even love the return to earth.

Back at sea level

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Copyright Debbie Smyth, 28 February 2018

Posted as part of Tuesday Photo Challenge